Fabia VRS, front brake caliper

[NicholasD]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice. Took the front brake off the fabia to sort out a new discs and pads. Checked for smooth movement on the top and bottom carrier slide pins and only the top moves. Is this normal? The bottom can be rotated but not moved in and out?

Drivers side, 2004 fabia VRS.

Any advice appreciated

[DanHarper]

Not normal! Both should slide in and out, and preferably not shake all about.

[NicholasD]

Http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/301987-vrs-front-brake-drag-guide-pin-issue/

Found the above that confirms what you have said Dan. It's strange, the force that it is held in made it feel like it held in with a circlip. Will have to get new carriers then I guess!

[Brodo]

Http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/301987-vrs-front-brake-drag-guide-pin-issue/

Found the above that confirms what you have said Dan. It's strange, the force that it is held in made it feel like it held in with a circlip. Will have to get new carriers then I guess!

 

Just hold on there NicholasD, don't get throwing your money away yet.

I had the very same issue and as detailed in the link provided it was indeed the rubber section of the pin that caused the problem. The copper grease had caused the rubber to expand and gave the sensation of a seized pin.

Get the carrier off and put it in a vice. Hold the pin on the end with molegrips and twist and pull. Put a little penetrating oil down the hole and keep pulling (look behind you and make sure you have a clear space for when you step back lol). My solution was to use a grinder with a flap wheel and gently take off the peaks on the rubber, it will make more sense when you see it. Do a little bit at a time trying it back in the carrier hole each time (you can take more off but you can't put it back on!). 

It is a delicate operation but you should end up with the pin still fitting snug as desgined but will slide in and out with ease. I would then lube it using red grease (rubber friendly).

Hope this has helped.

 

P.S. maybe you can buy the rubber part direct from Skoda?

[NicholasD]

Hi Brodo,

Thanks for your reply. Since the brake pad had come away from the backing I think the heat had previously burnt off the grease. Leaving the potential for the slider to have welded to the bore. I can't deal with car being off road unfortunately so I bit the bullet and bought from TPS. 210 for both sides, carriers only. It's the worst 210 I have ever spent but I feel happy that I'm going to get the part tomorrow, stick it on the car and be done with it.

I will take the carriers off and see if I can remove the pin, if I can and it's all good I will clean them up, get a refurb kit and stick them on here should anyone need. Glad I found why I was 10mpg down and it's been quiet fun working on the car again